DECC published the Microgeneration Strategy today.
In that document, the importance of small business is recognised in Action 25 and the explanation in clause 4.14.Action 25
Industry bodies to reach out to the small installer community who are potential advocates of microgeneration technologies as part of their everyday business.
4.14 At present, small installer companies may be not be clarifying the case for microgeneration to potential consumers. The trade associations and other industry bodies have an ideal opportunity to work with their respective members to promote microgeneration. SMEs will want clear concise information about what the opportunities of microgeneration mean for them and how they can get involved.
Well, they have got this spot on, but smaller installers are not even talking microgeneration to potential consumers and they won’t until they feel able to get involved.
I absolutely agree with the sentiments of Action 25, but as it stands, the smaller installer community are not ready to be advocates, but quite the opposite.
See my blog Over-regulation is the Biggest Barrier to Renewable take-up
I believe my proposal to exempt small business from the QMS element, if implemented, will help this part of the strategy succeed.
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Mick
ReplyDeleteThe other problem is they are not looking to engage with the smaller installers until Autumn 2011, why not now and do they not realise that the costs of the scheme also prevent take up, there is a reccession on, things are tight, sole traders cannot risk laying out over £1,000.00 for work that will not kick in until 2012, even then there are no gurantees that they will get a return on their money
In fairness, Chris, there will be a grant, the Renewable Heat Premium Payment (RHPP), announced shortly which will also entitle the householder access to the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI).
ReplyDeleteThe incentive will be payable from Oct 2012 and is likely to be for about 20 years, but only if equipment & installer are MCS accredited.
Which takes us back to the problem of MCS being too expensive and too onerous to encourage small installers to take part.
Exacly Mick, I persoannly doubt that the RHPP will encourage much take up, it will be a one off payment and is expected to be in the region of £300, this will not encourage much take up now, £300 off of a system that will cost in the region of £4,000.00 - £5,000.00 will not do much to encourage take up, as they will have to wait another year until the RHI kicks in
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